100 Weeks of Scotland: Glasgow 2014

IT seemed to last a lot longer than eleven days, and was, without exception a huge success. Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games will stay in the memory of the nation for a very long time indeed.
Glaswegians pay homage to the Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde. Picture: Alan McCredieGlaswegians pay homage to the Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde. Picture: Alan McCredie
Glaswegians pay homage to the Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde. Picture: Alan McCredie

Week 92

As with London’s Olympics all the initial doubts were quickly dispelled, and these (largely) ‘IndyRef’ free games captured the imagination of Scotland, and most of all Glasgow.

The sport, of course, was the highlight with Scotland hauling in a massive and record breaking catch of medals, but it was the atmosphere outwith the sporting arenas that will live with people for years to come. Glasgow has always been a great city, and has nothing to prove, but the old town did itself proud during these few days in the summer of 2014. Just to wander the streets and enjoy the city enjoying itself was a wonderful feeling.

Picture: Alan McCrediePicture: Alan McCredie
Picture: Alan McCredie
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The city seemed transformed with energy, vitalism, colour and dynamism. From George Square to Glasgow Green, and numerous other parts of the city the dear dreen place has, for the umpteenth time, thrown off its long-gone historical image and cemented its place quite rightly as one of the finest cities on the planet. There was a beautiful atmosphere of pride and celebration here that was absolutely infectious.

The images this week are of central Glasgow, with the games in full swing, and the sun shining. Even Clyde, the frankly terrifying Games mascot, could not dampen the enthusiasm on the streets of the city. Also a shot from Polmont train station which was one of several train stations that were re-branded for the games.

The last few years have been a bit bumpy in Scotland with the sometimes bitter and tedious level of debate in the independence campaign, and I think it may have done the country the world of good to take a break and set aside politics for these few days, and remember that despite all of our differences, all we want is the best for the place we live in and for the people who live in it.

So well done Glasgow, you have done us all proud, and it feels as if Scotland is a bigger place than it was two weeks ago.

• Alan McCredie began the ‘100 weeks of Scotland’ website in October last year, and it will conclude in Autumn 2014. McCredie’s goal is to chronicle two years of Scottish life in the run-up to the independence referendum.

Alan says ‘one hundred weeks...’ is intended to show all sides of the country over the next two years. On the site, he says: “Whatever the result of the vote Scotland will be a different country afterward. These images will show a snapshot of the country in the run up to the referendum.

“The photos will be of all aspects of Scottish culture - politics, art, social issues, sport and anything else that catches the eye.”

Follow the project at www.100weeksofscotland.com. You can also follow Alan on Twitter @alanmccredie.